Not sure how much stock I want to put into an article written by Carlos "Big C" Holmes," but m'kay.

Smith would draw some interest on the open market and the one team who could come calling is Pittsburgh Steelers. I'm told that Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is a big fan of Smith and has always thought that he would be a better pass-rusher in a 3-4 defense which they run in Blitzburgh.

The Steelers are looking to improve their pass-rush up front on defense and Smith would fit in the rotation nicely. The Steelers could also have their eyes on another Bengal S Madieu Williams. Williams is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the free agency signing period begins in March. He drew rave reviews from a top Steeler scout during the 2004 draft and the interest is believed to still exist considering the team's need for help at the safety position.[/b]

Smith I get. Solid player. One of the few guys I would consider from either side of the ball on that team.

But, Madieu Williams? Steelers need help at the safety position? That statement alone kinda makes me think there's nothing behind the Smith comments other than a Bengal fans' hope that he leave Cincinnati.

Think about it. If you're a Bengal fan and you think Smith is a good player; overpaid, but a solid player nonetheless, would you want him to sign with an intradivisional rival that has basically owned your ass for decades? I might want him to leave, but I'd at least want him out of the division. Ideally, out of the conference.

Think about it. If you're a Bengal fan and you think Smith is a good player; overpaid, but a solid player nonetheless, would you want him to sign with an intradivisional rival that has basically owned your ass for decades? I might want him to leave, but I'd at least want him out of the division. Ideally, out of the conference.

I guess what I was getting at there is, maybe Smith is the Bengals version of the '07 Joey Porter?

Maybe the Porter comparison is apt. For me, it comes down to cap hit, again. I just think there's enough interest in Smith that his price tag is prohibitive. Decent production, which trailed off last year: 7.17 sacks per, dropped to 2. Any ideas why? Didn't miss any games.

The second point on Smith is, what do we do with Keisel? He sits a year or two until Aaron Smith retires, then gets his job back? Or does Keisel try to transition to OLB? I dunno.

Maybe the Madieu Williams yammer is because of Anthony Smith's struggles, an amnesia about Ryan Clark, or doubt over Clark's return. I can see upgrading Ty Carter, though. But at what price?